iQOO Z9 5G Review: The iQOO Z9 5G is the latest addition to the Indian smartphone market in 2024, following the releases of the iQOO 12 and iQOO Neo 9 Pro. Positioned as a performance-driven device, the iQOO Z9 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset. With a price tag just below Rs 20,000, this smartphone competes fiercely with popular models like the Realme Narzo 70 Pro, POCO X6 Neo, and Redmi Note 13.
In assessing whether the iQOO Z9 5G deserves the title of the best phone under Rs 20,000, various factors need consideration. The device’s key features such as camera quality, display technology, battery life, and software optimization play pivotal roles in determining its competitiveness in the market. Additionally, user reviews and expert opinions can provide valuable insights into the overall performance and user experience offered by the iQOO Z9 5G.
iQOO Z9 5G Review 2024
Comparative analyses with its competitors can highlight areas where the iQOO Z9 5G excels or falls short. Factors like design aesthetics, build quality, software updates, and after-sales service also contribute significantly to a smartphone’s appeal to consumers. By delving deeper into these aspects, prospective buyers can make informed decisions based on their preferences and requirements in a budget-friendly smartphone.
The iQOO Z9 5G stands out as a top performer among smartphones priced under Rs 20,000, largely due to its powerful Dimensity 7200 chipset. Its vibrant display and long-lasting battery further enhance the user experience, making it a reliable choice in this price range. Despite these strengths, the phone’s camera system may lack some versatility compared to other models, and the manufacturer guarantees only two years of software updates. To make an informed decision about purchasing the iQOO Z9 5G, users should consider their priorities regarding performance, display quality, battery life, camera capabilities, and software support.
iQOO Z9 5G Review Details
| Article Name | iQOO Z9 5G Review |
| Category | Tech Reviews |
| Official Website | Click Here |
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Design And Display
If you have viewed the iQOO Z7 5G or the iQOO Z6 5G, you have also seen the iQOO Z9 5G. The iQOO Z9 5G closely resembles its predecessors in terms of appearance, featuring a flat frame with chamfered edges. The rear panel is also flat, with a matte finish and a brushed pattern design. Weighing 188 grams, the iQOO Z9 5G is heavier than the iQOO Z7 (173 grams). In a market segment that includes competitors like the Realme 12+, Realme Narzo 70 Pro, and Redmi Note 13, the phone’s design does not particularly stand out.
When it comes to the screen, the iQOO Z9 5G boasts a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2,400 x 1,080 and a 120Hz refresh rate. This display can reach a maximum brightness of 1800 nits, which is impressive for its price range, and it is certified by SGS for Eye Care Display. The screen is shielded by DragonTail-Star2 Plus glass, ensuring brightness in sunlight and excellent viewing angles. Streaming services like Netflix exhibit high sharpness on this screen.
Cameras
The primary camera on the iQOO Z9 5G is surprisingly impressive, featuring a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor with OIS support, a notable inclusion in this category. It excels in capturing high-quality daylight images with excellent dynamic range and color accuracy. Additionally, there is a 2MP secondary camera dedicated to portrait photography, delivering satisfactory results during the testing phase at both 1x and 2x zoom levels.
However, the phone lacks an ultra-wide lens. In the comparison provided below, it is evident that the Redmi Note 13 produces more background blur compared to the iQOO Z9 5G, which maintains a more balanced portrait shot.Below, in the slider for comparison, you can observe that the flower looks more defined in the photograph taken with the Redmi Note 13, which is attributed to its 108MP main sensor. Nevertheless, the color accuracy is superior in the picture taken with the iQOO Z9 5G.
The main camera functions effectively in low-light situations with Night mode, although it may not deliver the brightness and clarity of flagship-level cameras. Low-light photos show accurate colors and minimal noise, which is impressive considering its price point. The clarity is satisfactory, largely due to the support of OIS. The 16MP front camera provides a satisfactory level of sharpness and accurate color reproduction for skin tones. It also effectively manages exposure levels to prevent overexposure in bright outdoor settings.
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Performance and software
The iQOO Z9 5G stands out as one of the most potent smartphones under Rs 20,000. It runs on the 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset coupled with 8GB of RAM, achieving impressive benchmark results that surpass its rivals. In AnTuTu, the iQOO Z9 5G achieved a score of 728,534, outperforming the Redmi Note 13 powered by Dimensity 6080 (453,839) and the Realme Narzo 70 Pro powered by Dimensity 7050 (611,860). Furthermore, it scored 1190 in single-core and 2680 in multi-core on Geekbench.
It is enough to state that the iQOO Z9 5G excels in handling everyday tasks such as browsing social media, checking emails, and multitasking with minimal lag. Moreover, it is a commendable device for gaming, evident from its impressive GFXBench scores and ability to run Call of Duty Mobile on Very High graphics settings, a feat that many other phones in its price category find challenging. The efficiency of the Dimensity 7200 chipset is highlighted by a mere 6 percent battery drop after a 30-minute gaming session.
Android 14 comes pre-installed with the Funtouch OS 14 custom skin. In addition to Google and Vivo apps, the device also includes third-party apps such as Netflix, Snapchat, Candy Crush, Agoda, and Truecaller. While the device does come with several pre-installed apps, they can be removed if not needed.
IQOO plans to provide only two years of software updates for the iQOO Z9 5G, which is unsatisfactory. This implies that the device will receive an upgrade to Android 16 but no further updates. In contrast, phones such as the Realme Narzo 70 Pro offer a three-year support period for major software updates.
Battery life
The iQOO Z9 5G offers decent battery life for moderate to intensive usage. It is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that lasted approximately 15 hours and 40 minutes during our PC Mark battery test, surpassing the performance of the Redmi Note 13 but falling slightly behind the Realme Narzo 70 Pro.
When utilizing the included 44W charger, the iQOO Z9 5G requires approximately 67 minutes to charge fully from 0 to 100 percent. The Realme 12+ and Narzo 70 Pro, which are essentially identical, provide quicker charging rates (approximately 45 minutes with 67W charging speeds) within this price bracket.
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Conclusion
The iQOO Z9 5G is currently the top-performing phone under Rs 20,000 in March 2024. All thanks to the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset. It offers seamless performance for daily tasks, smooth gaming experience, a vibrant display, long battery life, and quick charging capabilities.
The iQOO Z9 5G features a reliable 50MP main camera but lacks an ultra-wide sensor. It is expect to receive only two major software updates, unlike some competitors such as the Realme Narzo 70 Pro which will receive at least three updates. Additionally, the phone’s design is not particularly distinctive in this category. If these factors are concerning to you, you may want to consider other options instead of the iQOO Z9 5G. Nevertheless, if you are seeking a high-performance Android phone priced under Rs 20,000. The iQOO Z9 5G is a top choice.
Reasons to buy iQOO Z9 5G
- The iQOO Z9 5G is one of the fastest phones you can find right now under Rs 20,000 thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset.
- You get a bright and attractive display and a solid build quality, though the design can seem dull.
- The 50MP primary camera works well in daylight conditions, capturing crisp and colour-accurate shots.
Reasons to not buy iQOO Z9 5G
- iQOO is promising only two years of major Android updates for the iQOO Z9 5G, which is disappointing considering some of the rivals promise 3 years of support.
- While the primary camera is good, the phone misses out on an ultra-wide lens for variety.
iQOO Z9 5G Review FAQ’S
Is the iQOO Z9 camera good?
I believe they are sufficiently loud at 200%, but I am uncertain about its suitability considering the device's durability. The cameras are all of good quality.
Is iQOO Z9 5G good for gaming?
The phone functions well in everyday use and can also handle gaming with minimal lag.
Is the iQOO Z9 waterproof?
This product is not a professional waterproof mobile phone.
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